President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Nigerian youths as the country’s greatest assets.
He urged them to continue dreaming big, innovating and making strides across diverse fields including science, technology, sports and the arts.
In his Independence Day message on Wednesday, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering young people through policies, programmes and funding opportunities designed to give them “wings to fly sky-high.”
Highlighting some of the interventions, Tinubu noted that the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has already benefited about 510,000 students across 228 higher institutions in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, a total of N99.5 billion has been disbursed under the scheme, with an additional N44.7 billion provided as upkeep allowance as of September 10.
On access to credit, the President explained that Credicorp, another government-backed initiative, has extended N30 billion in affordable loans to 153,000 Nigerians for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, digital devices and other essential needs.
He further revealed that YouthCred, which he promised in June last year, has become a reality, with tens of thousands of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) already benefiting from consumer credit to aid their resettlement.
Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in expanding opportunities for young people in the technology and creative sectors.
He cited the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, being implemented through the Bank of Industry in partnership with the African Development Bank, the French Development Agency and the Islamic Development Bank.
“This initiative is at the cusp of implementation.
“Over the last two years, we have worked with our partners to launch the programme, supporting our young builders and dreamers in the technology and creative sectors.” Tinubu said.
The President assured that his administration remains determined to create a Nigeria where every young person has a fair chance at building a better future.
